w7r3 done

[Cuppateatime]

Earlier in the week I decided that w7r3 would be a parkrun at Temple Newsham in Leeds. Since all my runs up to now have been on a treadmill I was more than a little nervous of running outside.

I arrived 10 minutes early and listened to the instructions then it was time to go.

First set C25K app then watch for outdoor runs and finally music and off I go.

Immediately, I realised my music was the wrong tempo. It was a new list set at 140 BPM. It just messed up my head! 🤪Next thing is that this course is very hilly… What a shock for my system since I had only run on a treadmill. I kept going but had to walk three times. Was a little disappointed in myself for that, but I did finish the course in a respectable 35:34

By the afternoon, I could feel my legs aching. It must have been the hills. Yesterday I struggled getting up and downstairs they ached so much.

I looked at my stats for the Parkrun and realised that my steps per minute were 160, so I spent the weekend doing a new playlist for myself. I was battling in my mind as to whether I could run for 25 minutes non-stop since I hadn’t quite managed it on Saturday, but this morning I decided to try w8r1 and I did it with the help of my new playlist. Can’t believe the difference it made to have a good beat. Was so relieved and proud. Feel really motivated to get to the end of this program. 🤞🏼

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Gosh well done you..beautiful location, but challenging too..! A very good time..steady as you go!

[Cuppateatime Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. I’ve got to work out how to pace myself….the treadmill does it for me! 🙃

[Jools2020 Graduate]

You shouldn’t be disappointed in yourself - it is further than you are expected to run for this point in the programme.

Well done for the Parkrun, but take care not to push yourself, especially because of the hills and the fact that you usually run on a treadmill as it could lead to a spot on the injury couch. There are many cautionary tales on here about people doing too much too soon.

I know Parkrun is enticing, though! I was thinking of going on Saturday to volunteer but I’d been on a run and lost track of time.

[Cuppateatime Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Thank you for your reply.

[nowster Graduate]

I didn't do my first parkrun until a year after I'd started running. They'd been cancelled because of lockdown. By that point I had run distances as long as 10 miles (outdoors).

And I also set off too fast and had to walk twice near the end. It's a typical mistake for a first time parkrunner to do. Doubly so if you've been used to running on a treadmill and this was your first ever time pacing yourself by feel.

[Cuppateatime Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thank you for your reply. There are so any things to consider but I’m sure I’ll get there in the end….🙃

[CBDB Graduate]

oh I love running to the beat. Also for me, it makes a huge difference when having the right music with the right beat!

Well done!!!

[Cuppateatime Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Yes I think i have the right beat now!